The Salukis traveled to Arkansas on Thursday, Sept. 18  to compete in the three-day Razorback Invitational tournament, looking to get back on track after dropping two out of three games in their previous two tournaments. 

The Arkansas Razorbacks came out swinging during the first set Thursday, with an impressive one attack error on 17 kills. On the other side of the net, outside hitter Kelly Franklin led the charge for SIU during Match 1 with three kills of her own.

The relentless mashing of the ball granted Arkansas a 10-point lead at 18-8, and the Razorbacks never looked back. Although the two teams went back and forth toward the end, a remarkable start from the Razorbacks propelled them to a dominant 25-15 victory in the first set. 

The second match began favorably for the Salukis as they jumped out to a 5-3 lead, 4 points coming on kills. Outside hitter Cecilia Bulmahn was on point as she delivered three kills in the span of 4 SIU points.

However, the kills slowed down, and a plethora of attack errors allowed the Razorbacks to go on a 14-7 run, coasting to a 25-16 victory in the second set. 

The Salukis had their backs against the wall to begin the third match in the best-of-five contest, and the Razorbacks did not hold back. Coming out of the gates with a 10-3 start, the lead was not a promising sight for SIU. Outside hitter Ella Swansiger was on the attack, racking up four kills in the set. The Razorbacks would continue their dominance and take the third set 25-14, leading to a 3-0 Arkansas victory.

Friday was a new day for the Salukis as they faced off against Arkansas State for an afternoon contest, and they made noticeable strides since Thursday’s loss. SIU was quickly on the attack, battling with the Red Wolves, obtaining a lead of 22-17 in the first set. The Red Wolves capitalized on a multitude of attack errors from the Salukis and took the contest into overtime, where they swooped in and grabbed Set 1 from SIU. 

The second set began as SIU attempted to shake off the troubles they had encountered previously. The two teams were neck and neck midway through the set, but an impressive offensive display from the Red Wolves boosted the team past the Salukis, going on an 8-3 run and swiping the second set 25-17. 

It was time for the third set, and the Salukis looked to win their first of the tournament, and they played hard for it. Outside hitter Annabelle Sulish delivered five kills and kept the set neck-and-neck for most of the way, but the Salukis kept on hitting, driving the team into their first set victory by a score of 25-22. 

Set 4 began, and the Salukis needed to carry some of that magic from Set 3 to stay alive. However, the Red Wolves turned on the jets and racked up 17 kills to deliver the final blow of the game, leading Arkansas State to a 3-1 win on the day.

Saturday was the last chance for the Salukis to avoid getting shut out in the tournament, and they delivered. The matinee contest versus North Dakota State started on the wrong foot, with the Bison taking the first set by a score of 25-19, fueled by many kills and some attack errors from the Salukis.

Set 2 worked in favor of SIU. The combination of three service aces, two by setter Emma Lade, and an offensive spree, allowed the Salukis to make quick work of the Bison, winning the set 25-13. 

The third set of the game came down to the wire, with both teams battling to keep it close. The Bison were up 23-22 when kills from Pena, Sulish, and Swansiger solidified the SIU win 25-23 in dramatic fashion.

The fourth set was not much different, neck and neck the whole way, exchanging kills and forcing the set into overtime. Numerous lead changes and ties made for a thrilling matchup, but the high-powered SIU offense powered 19 kills en route to a 26-24 victory, taking their first game of the tournament.

The Salukis begin conference play Sept. 26 against Murray State in Kentucky.

Sports reporter Noah Petschke can be reached at [email protected]. 

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